Saturday, February 18, 2012
In 1962, NASA’s Project Mercury made history by sending an American into orbit for the first time. To mark the 50th anniversary of this historic achievement, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is inviting the public to a celebration that will be headlined by Mercury astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter, the first two Americans to orbit Earth.
The 50
th anniversary event, entitled “Celebrating 50 Years of Americans in Orbit,” will feature a full day of activities on Saturday, Feb. 18 including:
- United Launch Alliance (ULA) presentation discussing the Atlas rocket used to launch astronauts into space during the Mercury program
- Space-themed artwork display created by area students
- NASA exhibitions providing guests with a vision of the future of human spaceflight
- "On the Shoulders of Giants" Program
"On the Shoulders of Giants" Program featuring John Glenn and Scott Carpenter
The highlight of the anniversary event will begin at 6:30 p.m. when special guests Senator John Glenn and Scott Carpenter participate in a ceremony honoring all of those who made Project Mercury possible. The “On the Shoulders of Giants” program will not only give attendees the opportunity to see the first two Americans in orbit, but it will also allow those who attend to see Glenn and Carpenter sign an artifact to be placed on permanent display. In addition, musical entertainment will be provided before and after the presentation.
Tickets will be provided at Guest Information for the first 750 people interested in the program for bleacher-style seating. Seating will begin at 5:30 p.m. All guests are encouraged to attend the program, and can bring folding chairs or blankets due to the limited availability of seating.
The “Celebrating 50 Years of Americans in Orbit” event is being sponsored by United Launch Alliance.
Photos from the Events
Friday, February 17, 2012 - Press Conference
Two of America's original seven Project Mercury astronauts, John Glenn and Scott Carpenter took part in a press conference marking the 50th anniversary of Glenn's orbital flight.
Saturday, February 18, 2012 - "On the Shoulders of Giants" Presentation
John Glenn and Scott Carpenter participated in a 50th anniversary ceremony honoring all those who made Project Mercury possible with a special, "On the Shoulders of Giants" presentation. Pictured is the Master of Ceremonies, John Zarella with CNN.